Silverstone Arena circuit nearly completed

The Silverstone Arena circuit’s tarmac has been laid, as well as the other improvements to the circuit, which have nearly been completed.

The Silverstone track, which recently got a new 17-year contract as part of the renovations, is well on course to have all of this done before the British Grand Prix in July. As well as the new tarmac for the Arena section, there are now revised run-off areas on the Brooklands and Woodcote corners.

Also, there are new spectator areas opposite the pits, and raised grandstands at the Becketts complex. Managing Director of Silverstone Circuits Richard Phillips said work was progressing according to schedule:

"Work on the circuit and venue is on schedule. The team has been working
around the clock, through some pretty terrible weather conditions,
to make sure the circuit is ready on time. The track works at Brooklands
and Woodcote are now complete, including the new run-off area for the fast
entry into Pits Straight, while the major new development – the new section
of circuit from Abbey, up to the Arena Complex and round to the National
Straight – is also coming along nicely.
There is still a considerable amount of work going on at Silverstone,
including the new elevated banks and spectator viewing areas, which will
continue beyond March. Conference and hospitality buildings are also
being built on the new Stowe."

Having seen these pictures and how well they’re going, I’m getting more skeptical about the Korean Grand Prix photos I reported on yesterday. Yes, there are 3 months between these races, but the track will still have to be homolgamated before F1 cars can race on it. Hopefully we can escape this imminently boring race for another year.